Every Fearless Story Starts with One Step Forward

At Southeast Missouri State University, that step means action, not waiting. From day one, you'll be in motion: learning by doing, solving real problems, and proving what you're capable of.
Here, opportunity isn't handed out. It's built.

Start your application

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The Future Favors the Fearless – Apply by December 1

/ Tier 1 housing priority – You get the first pick of dorm rooms.
/ Automatic scholarship review – No extra forms.
/ Chance to win free tuition!

Support That Moves With You

At SEMO, success isn’t left to chance, it’s built into your experience. From clear costs to built-in scholarships, we remove the guesswork leaving you free to focus on what’s next!

Here’s proof:
/ One Rate Tuition – Same affordable price for every domestic student, no surprises.
/ 85% of Redhawks qualify for our scholarship program.
/ Up to $8,000 awarded in the President's Scholarship.
/ $3M+ in scholarships awarded to over 2,000 students every year.

At SEMO, support isn't something you ask for, it's something you can count on.

Find Your Fearless at SEMO

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Experience Driven

You won’t wait years to get hands-on because here, it starts on day one.

From labs and flight simulators to classrooms and community projects, every program is built around learning that moves you forward.

With 240+ undergraduate and 60+ graduate programs and majors, you’ll graduate with more than knowledge. You’ll graduate with proof.

Explore All Degree Programs

a female student sits cross-leg on the railing outside of Kent Library with headphones on and a lap over in front of her. she is writing on a notebook open on her knee.

Boldly Supportive

Whether you're learning from Cape Girardeau or completely online, you’ll find the same people ready to back you.

With more than 40 undergraduate and 30 graduate online programs and majors, SEMO brings career-focused education to you with the same personal guidance that defines our campus experience.

Support that travels as far as your goals.

Explore Online Degree Programs

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Deeply Connected

Here, belonging isn’t found, it’s built.

Join a campus alive with more than 270 student organizations, Division I athletics, and opportunities to lead, serve, and grow.

At SEMO, community isn’t a checkbox, it’s the heartbeat of your experience.

Explore Student Organizations

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Fearlessly Forward

What you do here echoes in what comes next.

Within six months of graduation, 98 percent of Redhawks are working or continuing their education. Every experience prepares you to step into your career with confidence.

From your first class to your first job, we’re here to make your foundation fearless.

Apply now

Other Ways to Join the SEMO Community

Common Application

Already using the Common App? Add SEMO to your list and apply alongside other schools you’re considering. It’s fast, familiar, and keeps everything in one place!

Complete the Common Application

Niche: Direct Admissions

Get admitted to college without the stress. If you’ve received a Niche Direct Admissions offer, you can accept it now and take the next step toward becoming a Redhawk—no separate application needed.

Learn About Niche Direct Admissions

Domestic Undergraduate:
Paper Application

Prefer a printed option? Download and submit our paper application to apply the traditional way. It’s simple, and our team is here to help if you need support along the way.

Download the Paper Application

Your Fearless Future is Waiting. Let’s Get Started.

Apply to SEMO Today!

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Southeast Missouri State University

Office of Admissions

One University Plaza
Cape Girardeau, MO 63701
(573) 651-2590
admissions@semo.edu